n. (pl. anathemas) 1 a detested thing or person (is anathema to me). 2 a a curse of the Church, excommunicating a person or denouncing a doctrine. b a cursed thing or person. c a strong curse.
[ eccl.L, = excommunicated person, excommunication, f. Gk anathema thing devoted, (later) accursed thing, f. anatithemi set up ]